Family theater takes place outside in Beaver Creek

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VAIL --Blue Creek Productions, along with the support of Beaver Creek Resort, has created a daily family ceremony on the plaza of Beaver Creek, running each afternoon from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday through Jan. 5. Winterfest, created by Blue Creek director/owner/producer Brian Hall, literally draws families into each evening's theatrical festivities through a series of events, beginning with a children's parade.

Kids are drawn into the event, participating along the parade route at any point between the covered bridge to the ice skating rink at the center of the village. Using flags, theatrical instruments, props and costumes given to the children to use during the short walk, families become an integral part of the storytelling that then begins to take place. All children receive souvenir buttons to keep as mementos of their participation, creating a memorable experience that adds to the family's vacation.

The parade sets the stage for an original fairy tale written by Hall about a boy who discovers a mythical land beneath the ice, Wunderland, with characters who can join the audience only for a short time since they rely on cold temperatures to survive. All aspects of the early evening event build upon this specially crafted storyline, animating the Beaver Creek plaza's dining, shopping and lodging area.

Ice sculptures in the shape of life-sized animals such as a polar bear and cub, penguins and other fascinating creatures are on display for viewing anytime, "coming alive" along the way when the parade kicks off the evening's story, mingling with the families.

During this time, some children will have the opportunity to take on a bigger role in the production by actually joining the cast in what becomes a full theatrical show, bringing the fairy tale to life. Local shopkeepers, workers and community members will join in as well.

The tale of Wunderland begins with a blue light shining up from the ice, attracting the attention of a boy who has strayed from his family who are viewing the irresistibly decorated windows of the jewel-box type stores along the plaza. He breaks the ice to investigate, allowing the creatures and characters to emerge and tell their stories. Live animal exhibits then join the show, including birds of prey such as Bald Eagles and Falcons. Special performances by groups such as Denver Brass will also occur. The night culminates around two weekly themes incorporated into the story; the first week is "Elf Games" and the second is "Beaver Creek's Got Talent." The entire scripted, story-based experience includes an amphitheater/stage, props and special effects created just for the production.

Blue Creek Productions has produced local events since 1987. Blue Creek Productions can be reached by emailing Brian Hall at jbrianhall@mac.com or calling 970-926-9855.